magnesium metal sample: one "gram-atom"
Datecirca 1900
Inventory Number3947
ClassificationMetal Sample
Subject
Owner
Theodore William Richards
1868 - 1928
Cultural Region
Place of Use
Dimensions1.4 x 9 x 1.4 cm (9/16 x 3 9/16 x 9/16 in.)
Material
Accessoriesold tag
DescriptionClass F Chemical (Flammable).
Short circular rod of Magnesium (dull, oxidized metal).
Short circular rod of Magnesium (dull, oxidized metal).
Signedunsigned
Inscribedon tag: 24.3 grams of magnesium 1 gram atom '(handwritten) has the same heat capacity as 5.9 grams of water' / Believed to contain 606,200,000,000,000,000,000,000 atoms
FunctionFlammable: Thin shavings or dust of magnesium are highly flammable.
Magnesium: (Chem.) A light silver-white metallic element, malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide) magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight, 24.4. Specific gravity, 1.75.
Magnesium: (Chem.) A light silver-white metallic element, malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide) magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight, 24.4. Specific gravity, 1.75.
ProvenanceWilliam Th. Richards, son of Theodore William Richards, Harvard University.
Historical AttributesNotecard in drawer where this specimen was found: "All the instruments and specimens in these boxes are the property of Wm. T. Richards the gift of his father (T.W.R.) [Theodore W. Richards]. They are historically valuble. Jan 1928. W.T.R. Says for museum."
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: old tag
Object number: 3944
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: old tag
Object number: 3945
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: old tag
Object number: 3946
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Object number: 4879
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories:
one of three bars contained in box: 4936 bismuth sample [?], 4937 copper sample, 4938 lead sample.
Object number: 4936
Theodore William Richards
Date: 1925
Accessories: one of three bars contained in box: 4936 bismuth sample [?], 4937 copper sample, 4938 lead sample.
Object number: 4938
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: one of three bars contained in box: 4936 bismuth sample [?], 4937 copper sample, 4938 lead sample.
Object number: 4937